Friday, July 01, 2005

Pray That I May Declare It Fearlessly, As I Should

Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should - Ephesians 6:20b
(NIV)

While refuting a scientific argument posed by someone regarding the burning bush in the Bible, Jerry C. stated the following:

Quote:
Jerry C. : Friends this is just one so-called discovery in a long line of attempts to discredit the teachings of the Holy Bible. In order to believe any aspect of the Bible, means that the whole Bible is to be believed.
This simply will not do for those who profess themselves to be wise, but have become fools (Psalm 53:1, Romans 1:22)


There is a website called "The Skeptics Annotated Bible" which includes
a discussion board where skeptics often argue, challenge, and attempt
to discredit the biblical views of the few Christians who visit the board. The website posts difficult (but sometimes EASILY refuted) passages with their own erroneous explanation and interpretation of what the
text of the Bible is saying. What is interesting is that there is another website that ENTIRELY REFUTES every one of the 'annotated' arguments!

Truth is able to stand on its own two feet. Jesus said, "You shall know
the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). We have nothing to fear from the truth. Jesus said to the Father, "Your Word is truth" (John 17:17). The Bible has withstood the criticisms of the
greatest skeptics, agnostics, and atheists down through the centuries,
and it is able to withstand the feeble efforts of unbelieving critics today.

I do believe that we should think about what we believe. God places no premium on ignorance, nor does He reward those who refuse to look at the evidence. On the contrary, He will condemn those who refuse the plain evidence He has revealed (Romans 1:18-20).

I have studied the Scriptures for over 15 years now, and such study has greatly strengthened my spiritual life as I receive answers to questions often brought up by skeptics. As a result, my faith in God's Word increases. Granted, there are Bible difficulties, but with proper research such difficulties can often be resolved with confidence in the truth of the Bible. There is always more to discover and know when it comes to the Bible! I have had people say to me, "you have studied that thing for 15 years...don't you know it yet?" The answer is a big fat NO! The Bible is such an incredible and unique book that the more one studies it, the more one realizes how much we don't know and still need to learn!

What is truly ironic is that the Gospel of Christ is simple enough that a child can understand it. That is the main message of God's Word. However, the Bible is also a deeply complex book that constantly teaches us incredible information and insights the more we study it!

I am here on this blog precisely because I desire to help answer the questions of those who sincerely seek to know the truth. It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit of God will guide me to find the answers to questions people are searching for and thus help bring many others to the faith. My own confidence in the Word of God has increased over the years as I have delved deeper into the marvels of His truth. With the virulent skepticism and rejection inherent in our culture today, it is my prayer that I can stand up for the faith and share the Gospel of Christ with this hurting world.


Psalm 73:28 (NKJV) - But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.

Despite the opposition, I will remember what Paul stated in Ephesians:


Ephesians 6:10-19 (NIV) The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mightly power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition
to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I
am an ambassador in chains.

Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

4 comments:

Jojo said...

What a beautiful post. I love to hear others talk about their faith and how they are growing. My spirit is in agreement with everything you said as I understand where you are coming from. I wish we lived closer so we could study together - I would really enjoy that. But thank you for the encouragment I get from reading what you write. You are a blessing! Isn't it wonderful to live in a country where we are free to speak about our faith. And isn't even more wonderful that we have freedom in Christ - freedom from sin, freedom from the law, freedom from hell. I will be thinking about my blessed freedom as I celebrate this holiday. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2Cor 3:17

Christinewjc said...

Hi Jojo,

I really enjoy reading everything YOU write too! It would be wonderful to study together! Even though we can't in person, perhaps we can continue to meet here and post "studies" between each other. How is the Charles Stanley study going? I'm sure it's wonderful. I am really enjoying his book, "When the Enemy Strikes" subtitled, "The keys to winning your spiritual battles."

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2Cor 3:17

What a great verse to remember as we celebrate the 4th! Have a great weekend!

Jojo said...

Hi Christine,
There is another blog I enjoy reading - I don't know if you have ever visited there or not - but today's post is excellent - go visit http://www.jasondollarblog.blogspot.com/
and see for yourself. It's really long - but worth the time.

The Charles Stanley study has been good - but I'm not as far as I would have liked - have some brain fog this week so had to go slow.You have a good weekend too.
The

Christinewjc said...

Thanks for the link Jojo! I IMMEDIATELY liked the blog when I read the latest topic, " Risk-taking faith often appears foolish."

Tons of posts, information and links to read! Ahhhh! I'll be busy for months! haha

It's ok to take your time through a study. I know when I get tired I can't very well comprehend what I'm reading so it's often time to get away and do something else! Like exercise....I've been avoiding that lately and need to get back on target!